Patent attributes
Apparatus, systems, and methods are contemplated for electric powered vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Such are craft are engineered to carry safely carry at least 500 pounds (approx. 227 kg) using at least four, and more preferably at least six variable speed tilt rotors. In some embodiments one or more rotors cooperate to generate at least 50% of the lift, and more preferably at least 70% of the lift, during rotorborne flight (e.g., vertical takeoff, hover, etc). At least some of the blades of each of the at least four rotors are not feathered, retracted, or folded during forward flight. At least one of the variable speed tilt rotors is engineered to be optionally powered by multiple motors, and by multiple battery packs or other independently operating electric power sources. The vehicle preferably flies in an autopilot or pilotless mode and has a relatively small (e.g., less than 45′ diameter) footprint.
